Shellac for warangka

milandro · 22nd March 2022, 02:25 PM

I have two sarongs which appear to have been treated with some shellac although was not brought to a true “ piano finish” to begin with.

One had some signs of water having been splashed on it, I got some denatured alcohol and have been just rubbing it.

The remaining shellac on the surface got , I think, slightly soluble again and covered the superficial water spots and are now no longer visible. I am happy the way it looks,

I have to say that although I probably understand the desire of having a shiny surface bringing it to a piano polish would probably not be practical

Anthony G. · 22nd March 2022, 04:46 PM

Thanks all for sharing.

I started to think now that my violin probably is also cover with shellac. At least the bow was as what I was told.

Didn't realized things associated with finishing and chemical has so much studies in it.

Anyway, I dislike shiny stuff and usually prefer matt kind of finish. I will follow Alan advice then.

Sajen · 22nd March 2022, 08:00 PM

This both wrongkos are restored and polished with shellac.

milandro · 22nd March 2022, 08:33 PM

very nice @Sajen , how did you proceed with the applying of the shellac?

Did you sandpapper or use fine steelwool beforehand and then after applying every layer?

Something like this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1OCibJNAcg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGTZt_6T9vw

Sajen · 22nd March 2022, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milandro

very nice @Sajen , how did you proceed with the applying of the shellac?

Did you sandpapper or use fine steelwool beforehand and then after applying every layer?

Something like this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1OCibJNAcg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGTZt_6T9vw

It's not done by myself, it was a restorer I've known to this time. Both wrongkos have been in a very bad condition and the second one was broken. The first one was also matched to the wilah. But the second video shows it better how it is to handle.

Regards,
Detlef

Sajen · 22nd March 2022, 09:10 PM

A few more he restored for me, all are finished with shellac.

Rick · 22nd March 2022, 09:54 PM

Milandro, I have used the method shown in the second video with some success, although I was looking for a finish that was not as bright as Sajens restorer has gotten. I was looking for a more subdued shine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGTZt_6T9vw

I used clear shellac thinned down with grain alcohol to about the consistency of water. Leftover Grain alcohol is saved for making Glogg or extracts.

There is really no grain to be highlighted on this scabbard, and I can't remember how many applications I did; it was probably 10 at least.

Anthony G. · 23rd March 2022, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

A few more he restored for me, all are finished with shellac.

I feel too shiny

A. G. Maisey · 22nd March 2022, 08:45 PM

Just to clarify.

"Shellac" is made from the excretion of the lac bug.

In the trade terms as they apply in Australia, if you apply a shellac finish to timber you are using this resin dissolved in methylated spirits and applied with a brush. This finish is applied to internal timber fittings and cheap furniture --- or at least it used to be, there are now cheaper & better synthetic finishes that can be used.

"French Polish" is also made from the excretion of the lac bug, it is also dissolved in metho, the difference is that french polish is applied with a rubber made from fine cotton and filled with cotton wool.

"French Polish" is a technique, it is not a material. There are two major schools of French Polish technique:- French and British, the major difference is in the way abrasives are used during application.

The polish is applied in an over lapping "figure of eight" pattern. The complete process requires a number of steps and takes time and hands on tuition to learn. French polish is --- or maybe "was" is more accurate --- used on fine cabinet work and musical instruments. Basically, you apply many very thin coats of the polish over a period of time.

A good quality wrongko in Solo would have perhaps 5 or 6 coats of polish.

A good quality french polish taken to "piano finish" would use a minimum of thirty coats of polish.

French Polish is the absolute best way in which to bring a fine wood grain to the peak of display.

It used to be a distinct trade with a minimum three year apprenticeship.

The "cloudy" areas that can appear in a french polish finish when it is damaged by moisture can be removed with heat, but again, this is a specific technique that needs to be taught.

22nd March 2022, 08:00 PM	#3
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,207	This both wrongkos are restored and polished with shellac. Attached Images

22nd March 2022, 09:10 PM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,207	A few more he restored for me, all are finished with shellac. Attached Images

22nd March 2022, 09:54 PM	#7
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	Milandro, I have used the method shown in the second video with some success, although I was looking for a finish that was not as bright as Sajens restorer has gotten. I was looking for a more subdued shine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGTZt_6T9vw I used clear shellac thinned down with grain alcohol to about the consistency of water. Leftover Grain alcohol is saved for making Glogg or extracts. There is really no grain to be highlighted on this scabbard, and I can't remember how many applications I did; it was probably 10 at least. Attached Images

22nd March 2022, 02:25 PM	#1
milandro Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Netherlands Posts: 492	I have two sarongs which appear to have been treated with some shellac although was not brought to a true “ piano finish” to begin with. One had some signs of water having been splashed on it, I got some denatured alcohol and have been just rubbing it. The remaining shellac on the surface got , I think, slightly soluble again and covered the superficial water spots and are now no longer visible. I am happy the way it looks, I have to say that although I probably understand the desire of having a shiny surface bringing it to a piano polish would probably not be practical

22nd March 2022, 04:46 PM	#2
Anthony G. Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 470	Thanks all for sharing. I started to think now that my violin probably is also cover with shellac. At least the bow was as what I was told. Didn't realized things associated with finishing and chemical has so much studies in it. Anyway, I dislike shiny stuff and usually prefer matt kind of finish. I will follow Alan advice then.

22nd March 2022, 08:33 PM	#4
milandro Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Netherlands Posts: 492	very nice @Sajen , how did you proceed with the applying of the shellac? Did you sandpapper or use fine steelwool beforehand and then after applying every layer? Something like this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1OCibJNAcg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGTZt_6T9vw

22nd March 2022, 08:45 PM	#9
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,015	Just to clarify. "Shellac" is made from the excretion of the lac bug. In the trade terms as they apply in Australia, if you apply a shellac finish to timber you are using this resin dissolved in methylated spirits and applied with a brush. This finish is applied to internal timber fittings and cheap furniture --- or at least it used to be, there are now cheaper & better synthetic finishes that can be used. "French Polish" is also made from the excretion of the lac bug, it is also dissolved in metho, the difference is that french polish is applied with a rubber made from fine cotton and filled with cotton wool. "French Polish" is a technique, it is not a material. There are two major schools of French Polish technique:- French and British, the major difference is in the way abrasives are used during application. The polish is applied in an over lapping "figure of eight" pattern. The complete process requires a number of steps and takes time and hands on tuition to learn. French polish is --- or maybe "was" is more accurate --- used on fine cabinet work and musical instruments. Basically, you apply many very thin coats of the polish over a period of time. A good quality wrongko in Solo would have perhaps 5 or 6 coats of polish. A good quality french polish taken to "piano finish" would use a minimum of thirty coats of polish. French Polish is the absolute best way in which to bring a fine wood grain to the peak of display. It used to be a distinct trade with a minimum three year apprenticeship. The "cloudy" areas that can appear in a french polish finish when it is damaged by moisture can be removed with heat, but again, this is a specific technique that needs to be taught.